subalpine

[suhb-al-pahyn, -pin]

adjective

pertaining to the regions at the foot of the Alps.

Botany. growing on mountains below the limit of tree growth, and above the foothill, or montane, zone.

Nearby words

Origin of subalpine

First recorded in 1650–60; sub- + alpine

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for subalpine

The subalpine people, the Germans and the Slaves, ask the cuckoo how many years they still have to live.
Zoological Mythology (Volume II)|Angelo de Gubernatis
Between the subalpine areas and the river valleys there are several large ancient burns which are partly reforested.
The Forests of Mount Rainier National Park|Grenville F. Allen
John Muir expresses the belief that no other subalpine floral gardens excel Rainier's in profusion and gorgeousness.
The Book of the National Parks|Robert Sterling Yard
Subalpine species adapted to withstand the burden of deep snow take their place.
The Forests of Mount Rainier National Park|Grenville F. Allen

They are found in most perfect condition in the subalpine region, at an elevation of from eight thousand to nine thousand feet.
The Yosemite|John Muir

British Dictionary definitions for subalpine

subalpine

adjective

situated in or relating to the regions at the foot of mountains

(of plants) growing below the treeline in mountainous regions

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012